НОВЫЕ ДАННЫЕ О РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИИ И ЧИСЛЕННОСТИ СОВ В НИЖЕГОРОДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

• Main Authors: Бакка, С., Карякин, И., Киселева, Н., Новикова, Л.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Общество с ограниченной ответственностью «Сибэкоцентр» 2006
• Subjects: СОВЫ; ПЕРНАТЫЕ ХИЩНИКИ; Bakka; great grey owl; Nyctea scandiaca; Strix nebulosa; Strix uralensis; Ural Owl
• Online Access: http://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/novye-dannye-o-rasprostranenii-i-chislennosti-sov-v-nizhegorodskoy-oblasti; http://cyberleninka.ru/article_covers/14711172.png

The purpose of the paper is the generalizing the information of owl numbers and distributions in the Nizhniy Novgorod District for including in the State wild animals list of the Nizhniy Novgorod district. For conclusions of owl numbers and distributions we have studied the published papers, (Kirpichnikov, 1915; Serebrovskiy, 1918; Puzanov & all., 1955; Vorontsov, 1967; Zimin, 1974), and collections of Zoological museums of state universities in Moscow and N. Novgorod, Historical and architectural museum of N. Novgorod. Also data of owl records and registrations in the N. Novgorod district in 1985-2004 were analyzed. In 2005 special surveys of owls as actions of RBCU "The Owl Bird of Russia in 2005" were carried out in 15 regions of the N. Novgorod district. Owls uttering the mating-calls were registered in Mart-May with using phonograms of owls (Voronetskiy & all., 1989; Karyakin, 2004), also in July broods were registered, which in the period stayed in or near the breeding areas (Karyakin, 2004). For 20 years total length of survey routes was more than 1000 km, and surveyed territory was near 2000 km2, taking in account that in 2005 more than a quarter of all surveys were carried out (table 1). Snow Owl Nyctea scandiaca (L.) in the N. Novgorod district moderate winter and rare summer migrating species. We project in different years a number to fluctuate from 1 to 100. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo (L.) before the middle of XX century was not rare. At the beginning of XXI century distribution of the Eagle Owl has a little change (Fig. 2), but a number has dramatic decreased and estimated in 30-40 breeding pairs (Red Data Book of the N. Novgorod district, 2003). The all information of species records on the territory of district was analyzed in the course of studies. A total of 36-83 breeding pars (53 pairs at average) are estimated by GIS-methods. We project 70-80 pairs most probable to breed now in the N. Novgorod district. Long-eared OwlAsio otus (L.) is common breeding species. Today it is the most numerous species among owls, it breeds even on the territory of N. Novgorod and other towns. Average density in the N. Novgorod district is 25 breeding pairs per 100 km of length of edges of forests with size more 1 km2 . Average density on cultivated land is 5-6 breeding pairs/100 km2, on large forest-marsh landsnear 2 pairs/100 km2. An average of 7500-7800 breeding pairs are estimated in the N. Novgorod district (range 5000-10000 pairs). Such fluctuation between minimal and maximal numbers in different years is seemed to depend on increasing or declining the numbers of mousses. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus (Pontopp.) before the middle of ХХ century was the common species, inhabiting open lands in the whole territory of the district. In 1960-70s as a result of melioration of marshes and using of pesticides on fields a number of species declined; minimal number was registered at the beginning of 1980s. Since the end of 1980s a number of the Short-eared Owl has recovered. Its number varies in the N. Novgorod district very much in different years. Recent number of species is estimated in 4000-4500 breeding pairs, varies from 1500-2000 pairs to 7000-7500 pairs in different years, thus the number of the Short-eared Owl is smaller than the number of the Long-eared Owl in 1,5-2 times. Average density on woodless lands in the N. Novgorod district is near 14 breeding pair/100 km2, varies in different cultured lands from 8 to 24 pairs/100 km2, the highest density is 1,5 pair/1 km2, and minimum distance between nests is 400 m. Scops Owl Otus scops (L.) The all study plots, where the Scops Owl had registered, located in forests of southern Zavolzh'e and the territory between the Volga and Oka rivers. Average density is near 4 breeding pairs/100 km2 of forests. At average 349 pairs (214-568 pairs) are estimated to breed in the N. Novgorod district. In the northern Zavolzh'e single records and absence on study plots (including data of 2005) have confirmed the extremely low number of the species. A total of 400-2000 breeding pairs are estimated in the N. Novgorod district. During ХХ century probably the species was distributing on the territory of the district with increasing number trend. Probably the number of species increases now too. Tengmalm's Owl Aegolius funereus (L.) is not numerous species. Following processing the results of records by E.S. Ravkin and N.G. Chelintsev methods (1990) at average near 2000 pairs (1300-2900 pairs) is estimated to breed in the N. Novgorod district, following processing data by CIS-methods 1000-10000 pairs are estimated (at average 6000 pairs). Really a total of 2000-6000 breeding pairs are projected in the district. Average distance in forests is near 5 breeding pairs/100 km2 (3,3-7,3 pair/100km2). The species are noted to breed in different forests, but to prefer humid old spruce forests. In optimal inhabitances density is more than 30 breeding pair/100 km2. Noted minimal distance between neighbor breeding areas is 570 m. Little Owl Athene noctua (Scop.) is rare species of the N. Novgorod district. The northern border of the species range crosses the N. Novgorod district approximately on the Volga river. Probably in 1950-70s the number of species decreased. Now the Little owl is very rare. No more than 20 pairs are estimated to breed in the district. Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum (L.). Distribution of the species in the N. Novgorod district is similar with previous. On study plots average density was 4,6 breeding pairs/100 km2 (2,5-8,4 pairs/100 km2). As a result of processing the density from study plots to forest lands a total of 1841 breeding pairs are estimated (1010 3354 pairs). A total of 2000-5000 breeding pairs are projected in the N. Novgorod district. Hawk Owl Surnia ulula (L.). All authors noted this species to breed rare, but regular recorded during wintering migrations. In 1980-90s even winter records became exclusive rare, on the base of which we have concluded of declining the number in 1960-70s. We registered the single adult bird in the breeding period at the end of June beginning of July 1995 in the Sokolskiy region. Tawny Owl Strix aluco (L.) before 1970s was a common owl species in the district. In northern regions with large forests the species was not numerous, in the central and southern region was common in forests and cultivated lands. During ХХ century its number was steadily decreasing that decline of registrations has confirmed (table. 5). The most probable reason of it is forcing out by the Ural Owl rapidly spreading in forests of the district. The Tawny Owl is remained only in cultured lands and old forests along rivers. The number of species estimated by E.S. Ravkin and N.G. Chelintsev methods (1990) for 1985-2005 period is near 1200 breeding pairs (table. 6), thus the species is not common. Results of our studies have demonstrated the dramatic declining number of species regardless of methods of processing (table. 8). The number of the Tawny Owl has decreased in 3-6 times during last 10-15 years. Following the records of 2005 average number, proceeded by GIS-methods, is 251 breeding pairs. Probably the number is higher, because there are not included the registrations of owls, inhabiting town and village parks. Thus a total of 300-500 breeding pairs are projected in the N. Novgorod district. Ural Owl Strix uralensis (Pall.) -before the middle of ХХ century was a rare species breeding in the northern part (Zavolzh'e) of the N. Novgorod district. In 1980s its number was seemed to increase, that increasing the number of registrations and our surveys have confirmed (table.5). This species has distributed on the all territory of the district to force out the Tawny Owl. Recently it is common breeding species not only in coniferous, coniferous-broad-leaved but in broad-leaved forests. In 2004 A.P. Levashkin (2005) found a nest in the oak forest of the Botanical Garden of the N. Novgorod state university on the territory of N. Novgorod. Average number in the N. Novgorod district in 1985-2005, is 5500-5700 breeding pairs (table. 6, 7). Herewith the number of species was rapidly increasing during last 12 years from 2800 breeding pairs in 1980s to 6800 pairs in 2005 (table 8). Thus today a total of 6000-6800 breeding pairs are estimated in the district, then a number of the Ural Owl is near a number of the Long-eared Owl. Average density in forests of the district is 13,8 breeding pairs per 100 km2 (range 10,3-18,6 pairs/100 km2). In optimal inhabitances density is 1-2 pairs per 1 km2. Minimal registered distance between neighbor breeding areas is 0,5-0,6 km. The trend of number and distribution of species are increasing. Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa (J.R. Forst). Before our surveys this species was not registered on the territory of district. The single nest was found in the Krasnobakovskiy region in 1992 (Bakka, Bakka, 1998). In the Red Data Book we estimated a total of 10 pair (Red Data Book of the N. Novgorod district, 2003). Following further investigations now a total of 20-30 breeding pair are estimated in the N. Novgorod district. The purpose of the paper is the generalizing the information of owl numbers and distributions in the Nizhniy Novgorod District for including in the State wild animals list of the Nizhniy Novgorod district. For conclusions of owl numbers and distributions we have studied the published papers, (Kirpichnikov, 1915; Serebrovskiy, 1918; Puzanov & all., 1955; Vorontsov, 1967; Zimin, 1974), and collections of Zoological museums of state universities in Moscow and N. Novgorod, Historical and architectural museum of N. Novgorod. Also data of owl records and registrations in the N. Novgorod district in 1985-2004 were analyzed. In 2005 special surveys of owls as actions of RBCU "The Owl Bird of Russia in 2005" were carried out in 15 regions of the N. Novgorod district. Owls uttering the mating-calls were registered in Mart-May with using phonograms of owls (Voronetskiy & all., 1989; Karyakin, 2004), also in July broods were registered, which in the period stayed in or near the breeding areas (Karyakin, 2004). For 20 years total length of survey routes was more than 1000 km, and surveyed territory was near 2000 km2, taking in account that in 2005 more than a quarter of all surveys were carried out (table 1). Snow Owl Nyctea scandiaca (L.) in the N. Novgorod district moderate winter and rare summer migrating species. We project in different years a number to fluctuate from 1 to 100. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo (L.) before the middle of XX century was not rare. At the beginning of XXI century distribution of the Eagle Owl has a little change (Fig. 2), but a number has dramatic decreased and estimated in 30-40 breeding pairs (Red Data Book of the N. Novgorod district, 2003). The all information of species records on the territory of district was analyzed in the course of studies. A total of 36-83 breeding pars (53 pairs at average) are estimated by GIS-methods. We project 70-80 pairs most probable to breed now in the N. Novgorod district. Long-eared OwlAsio otus (L.) is common breeding species. Today it is the most numerous species among owls, it breeds even on the territory of N. Novgorod and other towns. Average density in the N. Novgorod district is 25 breeding pairs per 100 km of length of edges of forests with size more 1 km2 . Average density on cultivated land is 5-6 breeding pairs/100 km2, on large forest-marsh landsnear 2 pairs/100 km2. An average of 7500-7800 breeding pairs are estimated in the N. Novgorod district (range 5000-10000 pairs). Such fluctuation between minimal and maximal numbers in different years is seemed to depend on increasing or declining the numbers of mousses. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus (Pontopp.) before the middle of ХХ century was the common species, inhabiting open lands in the whole territory of the district. In 1960-70s as a result of melioration of marshes and using of pesticides on fields a number of species declined; minimal number was registered at the beginning of 1980s. Since the end of 1980s a number of the Short-eared Owl has recovered. Its number varies in the N. Novgorod district very much in different years. Recent number of species is estimated in 4000-4500 breeding pairs, varies from 1500-2000 pairs to 7000-7500 pairs in different years, thus the number of the Short-eared Owl is smaller than the number of the Long-eared Owl in 1,5-2 times. Average density on woodless lands in the N. Novgorod district is near 14 breeding pair/100 km2, varies in different cultured lands from 8 to 24 pairs/100 km2, the highest density is 1,5 pair/1 km2, and minimum distance between nests is 400 m. Scops Owl Otus scops (L.) The all study plots, where the Scops Owl had registered, located in forests of southern Zavolzh'e and the territory between the Volga and Oka rivers. Average density is near 4 breeding pairs/100 km2 of forests. At average 349 pairs (214-568 pairs) are estimated to breed in the N. Novgorod district. In the northern Zavolzh'e single records and absence on study plots (including data of 2005) have confirmed the extremely low number of the species. A total of 400-2000 breeding pairs are estimated in the N. Novgorod district. During ХХ century probably the species was distributing on the territory of the district with increasing number trend. Probably the number of species increases now too. Tengmalm's Owl Aegolius funereus (L.) is not numerous species. Following processing the results of records by E.S. Ravkin and N.G. Chelintsev methods (1990) at average near 2000 pairs (1300-2900 pairs) is estimated to breed in the N. Novgorod district, following processing data by CIS-methods 1000-10000 pairs are estimated (at average 6000 pairs). Really a total of 2000-6000 breeding pairs are projected in the district. Average distance in forests is near 5 breeding pairs/100 km2 (3,3-7,3 pair/100km2). The species are noted to breed in different forests, but to prefer humid old spruce forests. In optimal inhabitances density is more than 30 breeding pair/100 km2. Noted minimal distance between neighbor breeding areas is 570 m. Little Owl Athene noctua (Scop.) is rare species of the N. Novgorod district. The northern border of the species range crosses the N. Novgorod district approximately on the Volga river. Probably in 1950-70s the number of species decreased. Now the Little owl is very rare. No more than 20 pairs are estimated to breed in the district. Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum (L.). Distribution of the species in the N. Novgorod district is similar with previous. On study plots average density was 4,6 breeding pairs/100 km2 (2,5-8,4 pairs/100 km2). As a result of processing the density from study plots to forest lands a total of 1841 breeding pairs are estimated (1010 3354 pairs). A total of 2000-5000 breeding pairs are projected in the N. Novgorod district. Hawk Owl Surnia ulula (L.). All authors noted this species to breed rare, but regular recorded during wintering migrations. In 1980-90s even winter records became exclusive rare, on the base of which we have concluded of declining the number in 1960-70s. We registered the single adult bird in the breeding period at the end of June beginning of July 1995 in the Sokolskiy region. Tawny Owl Strix aluco (L.) before 1970s was a common owl species in the district. In northern regions with large forests the species was not numerous, in the central and southern region was common in forests and cultivated lands. During ХХ century its number was steadily decreasing that decline of registrations has confirmed (table. 5). The most probable reason of it is forcing out by the Ural Owl rapidly spreading in forests of the district. The Tawny Owl is remained only in cultured lands and old forests along rivers. The number of species estimated by E.S. Ravkin and N.G. Chelintsev methods (1990) for 1985-2005 period is near 1200 breeding pairs (table. 6), thus the species is not common. Results of our studies have demonstrated the dramatic declining number of species regardless of methods of processing (table. 8). The number of the Tawny Owl has decreased in 3-6 times during last 10-15 years. Following the records of 2005 average number, proceeded by GIS-methods, is 251 breeding pairs. Probably the number is higher, because there are not included the registrations of owls, inhabiting town and village parks. Thus a total of 300-500 breeding pairs are projected in the N. Novgorod district. Ural Owl Strix uralensis (Pall.) -before the middle of ХХ century was a rare species breeding in the northern part (Zavolzh'e) of the N. Novgorod district. In 1980s its number was seemed to increase, that increasing the number of registrations and our surveys have confirmed (table.5). This species has distributed on the all territory of the district to force out the Tawny Owl. Recently it is common breeding species not only in coniferous, coniferous-broad-leaved but in broad-leaved forests. In 2004 A.P. Levashkin (2005) found a nest in the oak forest of the Botanical Garden of the N. Novgorod state university on the territory of N. Novgorod. Average number in the N. Novgorod district in 1985-2005, is 5500-5700 breeding pairs (table. 6, 7). Herewith the number of species was rapidly increasing during last 12 years from 2800 breeding pairs in 1980s to 6800 pairs in 2005 (table 8). Thus today a total of 6000-6800 breeding pairs are estimated in the district, then a number of the Ural Owl is near a number of the Long-eared Owl. Average density in forests of the district is 13,8 breeding pairs per 100 km2 (range 10,3-18,6 pairs/100 km2). In optimal inhabitances density is 1-2 pairs per 1 km2. Minimal registered distance between neighbor breeding areas is 0,5-0,6 km. The trend of number and distribution of species are increasing. Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa (J.R. Forst). Before our surveys this species was not registered on the territory of district. The single nest was found in the Krasnobakovskiy region in 1992 (Bakka, Bakka, 1998). In the Red Data Book we estimated a total of 10 pair (Red Data Book of the N. Novgorod district, 2003). Following further investigations now a total of 20-30 breeding pair are estimated in the N. Novgorod district.